But our hero didn’t have to wait long to have his question answered. Even as he wondered there fell upon his ear a clear, distinct, neigh.
Peter Brush laughed.
“That lets the cat out of the bag,” he said.
“Have you a horse, then?”
“Yes; he is only a few rods off.”
“I thought you were on foot.”
“I got off his back just before I came up with you. I wanted to take you, or, leastwise, Jim Dobson, by surprise, and I reckon I did.”
“It was not a very pleasant surprise to him, Mr. Brush.”
“I didn’t mean it should be when I saw that scoundrel bendin’ over you, and tryin’ to tie your hands and feet. I tell you I felt riled.”
“So did I,” said Tom, laughing.